This isn't the case, as a regular commentator BlueEyes points out, at fine dining, higher end Espana in Annadale. Espana prides itself on Mediterranean food which perhaps pulls them out of the salad/soup-with-the-meal phenomenon. On the other hand, with of Carmen's in Huguenot, the portions are huge and garlic bread comes in the breadbasket. But the food and service are (in my opinion) subpar for years. Yet crowds keep coming. So is it the copious food supply and seaside view what people are crazy about? Does the place sustain momentum from its reputation?

With Rincon de Espana in Bayonne, the food is respectable and there are some terrific dishes there. Seafood is quite fresh and meals there were very enjoyable. But I do think they cut a lot of corners on quality, like many other Spanish restaurants do (i.e. no saffron in rice, mediocre desserts, etc.) And, it's no biggie, but as an aside, I want to point out that snails (an item typically on Spanish restaurant menus as appetizers) generally come from a can and are stuffed into decorative shells that are washed and reused. I actually like snails most times but want to note for the record that it would be highly unlikely to find fresh escargot for under $12 in an outerborough or New Jersey. So, for the sake of appreciating inexpensive, Spanish restaurants, I'll take the canned snails.

A while back in Carmen's review (we gave them two stars), I thought the place the awful on many levels. And the text in the review certainly reflected that opinion. However, on every visit the place was jammed. Food critics on the Restaurant Forum would go wild over it, frankly something that made me doubt the reliability of opinions there. I even doubted myself on that restaurant, went there nine times (most times on my own nickel) to be sure it was what it was. I even brought along a sitting judge with a good palate, figuring he'd give some solid thoughts on dining there. It turns out that he loved the place for its large portions and efficient server who told us he planned to go to law school. Nonetheless, it was one of the few restaurants I somewhat lamented giving 2 stars to.

As sad as the food situation is, what's sadder is that some day that restaurant might not be there. In effect, I'll take any restaurant on the water over five townhouses anyday.